Jerome Shaw September 13, 1926 - May 3, 2018 La Jolla Jerome Shaw, a pioneering businessman and co-founder of Volt Information Sciences, died at home in La Jolla on May 3, 2018. He was 91 years old. The son of Eastern European immigrants, he was born in Brooklyn in 1926. Jerry served in the Navy during World War II, and then attended New Mexico State University where he earned a degree in electrical engineering under the GI Bill.In 1950, Jerry, along with his older brother Bill, launched a business at their mother's kitchen table with a mere $13. Reflective of their circumstances, the name "Volt" was inspired by its dictionary definition, the electrical term for "a unit of potential." In 1958, Jerry moved to California with a group of technical writers and helped secure a key contract related to the Atlas Missile project. From there, he helped steer the growth of the business into a prominent publishing services and staffing company. Today, Volt employs over 20,000 people worldwide.Jerry believed in the vital role of education in building tomorrow's workforce. He endowed scholarships at major universities, including his alma mater, New Mexico State University. He also provided grants for local elementary and high schools, inspiring many culturally diverse students to complete their education and pursue business careers. He also started and supported programs responsible for the hiring of military veterans. Along with his wife, Joyce Cutler Shaw, a distinguished artist and educator who passed away in April, they were also active supporters of medical research and the arts.Jerry received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from New Mexico State University in 2001, the distinguished Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2008, and as an industry pioneer, Jerry was inducted into the Leadership Hall of Fame of the American Staffing Association.In spite of all his success, Jerry was remarkably humble. To everyone who knew him, including the thousands of Volt employees past and present, he will best be remembered as a mentor, advocate, and friend.Jerry is survived by his children, Michael, Steven and Rachel Shaw, his daughter-in-law, Sara Warshaw, and his two grandchildren, Alexander and Leo Shaw. That family requests that, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to an educational organization. A memorial will be held for Jerry at The Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla on Saturday, June 9th at 10:30 am.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune from May 16 to May 20, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Jerome Shaw

36 Entries

Eldon Steelman

June 30, 2020

It was my honor to be part of the group which hosted Jerry and Joyce at NMSU. His story of starting the company with $13 made a lasting impression on everyone. To the family: We will not forget Jerry.

THOMAS LEWIS

April 28, 2020

This is sad. I worked at Volt, and picked him up at the airport. I became close friends with his daughter.

Douglas Poffinbarger

May 1, 2019

I used to work in the corporate office, a couple doors down from Jerry. I worked with him on Energy Star program, so I met with him several times and genuinely liked him. In retrospect, I wish I had asked him to mentor me back then. Condolences to the family. Rest in Peace Sir.

Sharon Embrey

August 31, 2018

This message is for Steve, perhaps it might reach you. As other times your Dad cane to mind and I decided to look him up and perhaps contact him. Last time I saw Jerry was about 8 years ago when we met for lunch in the Circle of Orange. I remember Steven fondly when you and I were looking for houses in Old Town and we visited that 1 house with the old couple sitting downstairs. You and I wound up upstairs laughing so hard for some stupid reason that it took us a while to be able to come down and get out of the house.
I am sorry to hear of Jerry's passing and remember the good times we spent together. I would love to hear from you Steve if you get this message
Sharon Embrey

August 16, 2018

A pillar of my career, business ambition, and friend of my Uncle George. RIP, Mr. Shaw, Marty

Renee Hensley

August 1, 2018

I am deeply saddened to learn of Mr. Shaw's passing. I worked at the corporate office for 13 years and he was a great man. I loved when he shared his stories of how he and his brother started the business. My regards to the family.

Patrick Garvey

July 24, 2018

I'm greatly saddened to hear of Jerry's passing. Jerry was a constant companion of mine for 4 years on the Amtrak north to Anaheim. Over the years I truly gained appreciation for Jerry's humor and kindness to all that he met. The world is a better place today because Jerome Shaw was a part of it and he leaves behind a shadow that is much larger than his physical stature. Our deepest condolences go out to Jerry's family and the entire Volt organization.

Rick Faber

June 7, 2018

My deepest sympathy to Steve, Michael, Rachel and the Shaw family. I knew Jerry for almost 30 years and I considered him a great business leader, friend and mentor. Jerry not only placed a high priority on his companys success but also on the success of the employees that made Volt an exceptional company and place to work.
Jerry sought to gain insight from every person he spoke with and generously gave his perspective and wisdom. Jerry had a vision of how to make the world a better place for all people. I was always impressed by the time and support that he gave to our disabled veterans and the scholarships he provided to students attending his alma mater New Mexico State University. He truly made a difference in the lives of many people.

Molly Lopez

June 5, 2018

I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Shaw as his assistant for nearly 10 years, I absolutely loved working for him. I admired Mr. Shaw in so many ways, he was a very peaceful, kind, smart, moral, noble man and he always saw the good in people always wanted to give all an opportunity to do well in life and Oh my goodness. his advice was unforgettable - I still remember his words of wisdom, he was truly an amazing man. This world was a better place because of him, he will truly be missed, my thoughts and prayers are with all of the Shaw family.

Larry Kaylor

May 29, 2018

May 29, 2018
My deepest sympathy to Steve, Michael, Rachel and the entire Shaw family. Jerry was truly an amazing and special person. I was so blessed, and proud, to have been a part of the Volt family for many years. I am so grateful for the wonderful opportunity that was given to me to know Jerry and experience the benefit that so many realized from the company that he worked so hard and diligently to build. There is most assuredly a very special place up there in heaven for Jerry. May he enjoy being reunited once again with his wife Joyce.

May 25, 2018

May your hearts be filled with the wonderful memories of joyful times you shared together as you celebrate a life well lived and loved (Psalms 90:10)

Jerry Allen

May 21, 2018

We would not shake hands but would kiss and hug each other. Jerry and Joyce were married the same year as my wife and I, 1954, and until they left for California we spent lots of time together.
Jerry and Joyce were special friends and we will be forever grateful to them for their generousity on our behalf.

Our deepest sympathy to their children and grandchildren. We will miss them but we have wonderful memories to treasure. Jerry and Loretta

Jerome Allen

May 21, 2018

My friendship with Jerry Shaw is over 80 years old. We were childhood friends in Brooklyn along with our group of buddies and we called ourselves "The Esquires". I knew his brother Bill and even helped even helped set up their first office for "Volt" in Battery Park. Our group of friends were more like brothers, always protecting each other and watching each other's backs. When we got together

Debbie Doss

May 21, 2018

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of this amazing man. I was blessed to have been a part of the company he and his brother built and to have worked with some of the great people who he chose to lead Volt. The selfish part of me wishes he was still on earth as I always looked forward to seeing him in the halls of the Volt Corporate Headquarters in Orange and wish I could see him just one more time. The unselfish part of me is knowing he is in heaven with his wife and mother of Michael, Steven and Rachel.....right where he belongs. May God bless and give strength to the family to carry them through this most difficult time.

Monsie Ferrer

May 20, 2018

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

May 19, 2018

May the God of all comfort sustain your family during the days ahead Psalms 119:76

Debra Lowell

May 18, 2018

In 2000 Mr. Shaw called me and offered me a position with Volt Services Group in Naperville, IL. I could not believe that someone of his stature would call me directly to discuss his company, telling me he would give me all the tools I need to be very successful, planting within me the seeds of strength and confidence to succeed. He is well remembered and I thank him.

Bill Cangelosi

May 17, 2018

As a Volt customer for many years, I witnessed the many lives he touched for good and the tremendous loyalty and love his employees had for him. I was just one of thousands of clients Jerry must have worked with in his long career, but on the few occasions I had the privilege of spending a day with him, he made me feel as if I were his only customer. He is a man I will forever admire and hope I can, in some small way, emulate. Truly, a life well-lived!

Brad Thornburgh

May 17, 2018

I am grateful to have known Jerry and Joyce. Lives well lived, inspirational and kind. Beautiful and energetic, a legacy of love ❤

Rick Moore

May 17, 2018

Mr. Shaw is truly a legacy for thousands of people. A man who was as humble as he was brave. He was forever an optimist who found his greatest joy in watching someone else realize their own potential. He had a great way of getting us all to band together and be a team. He also knew the value of letting spirited debate fill the boardroom and its marvelous table. He was never afraid of conflict, compromise, or difference of opinion. He disliked complacency and taught us through his greatest tool (example) what it meant to be driven. I consider Jerry Shaw to be among the greatest influences in both my career and life. Thanks, Mr. Shaw for the confidence you showed in all of us and for being a remarkably giving human. You are and will continue to be missed by a huge group of people. My prayers are with your family during this time.

Laura Hertlein

May 17, 2018

An amazing friend and mentor. It was my privilege to bring him coffee everyday and see him smile. He shared his knowledge and life so humbly. My greatest advice I received from Jerry was that success was achieved with Baby steps and it has served my family well through the years and I cant think of any advice given from a greater man then Mr. Jerry Shaw. I will miss him greatly and I send my condolences to his children and grandchildren whom he always spoke so proudly of.

Sheriene Saadati

May 17, 2018

I am so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing! I met him over 20 years ago when our company contracted with Volt for temporary services. I was lucky enough to get to know him through business lunches and going to the race track. I loved hearing the story of how he and his brother started the company! I also enjoyed seeing his housing developments with Joyce's artistic influence. He was an amazing business man and a wonderful human being. He will be greatly missed!

Michelle Thoms

May 17, 2018

Mr. Shaw was an amazing person. He truly cared about each of his employees as if they were a part of his family. Everyone will miss him.

May 17, 2018

Jerry Shaw is truly an unforgettable person. I began working at Volt Technical in the 1960's at the San Diego office and then in Anaheim. He was a true pioneer in the industry and always looked forward. He cultivated the loyalty and respect of both his employees and clients with his honesty, integrity, and kindness. He will long be remembered.

Nancy Luick Crowley

Joseph Kresefsky

May 17, 2018

Mr. Shaw was a pillar in the industry and a true example of a business mind! I recall having a few brief moments with him when I was out in Orange for a forum. In those moments, he shared with me key points that he used in building meaningful business relationships. That was nine years ago and I havent forgotten them; Ive incorporated them into my personal life and in my career! Thank you Jerry! Enjoy your rest sir.

Grant Simpson

May 17, 2018

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Shaw not long after I joined his company, Volt Workforce Solutions. He has created a legacy which is of great impact and benefit to me directly and to the community at large. His warmth and passion for what we do are forever present throughout our organization. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. I congratulate Mr. Shaw on a life well lived.

Barbara Laurie-Rosenthal

May 17, 2018

Dear family, that was Jerry to a T .im so glad I got to see my dear cousins not long. Before they died. I lovesD them dearly.. keep their memories in your heart forever.love , Barbara

Toby Langston

May 16, 2018

Humble, sincere, kind, giving, generous in all things including advice; Work hard, apply yourself if given the opportunity and you will always succeed. Read the newspapers he use to say to me, so you know what stocks to buy and then buy more; its a long term investment for the future but you need to read the newspapers I wont always be here to give you advice. Mr. Shaw was a wonderful mentor, a gentleman and friend and I am so fortunate our paths intersected beginning at five years old when my mom use to bring me to the Volt office; although always off the floor before 8:00 a.m. Thank you sir, for making me a part of the Volt family - gone but never forgotten. Peace to you and yours.

Tanya Varah

May 16, 2018

A life exceptionally well lived filled with personal achievement beyond most, while giving back to community and humanity. The Shaw brothers made Volt a place you could have a career with people who became your second family, and they provided opportunity for women and minorities before it was in fashion. The Volt Family they built has provided jobs, careers, and life changing opportunities to countless people. He certainly lived up to his "unit of potential" and his absence will be felt.

Mary Watkins

May 16, 2018

I would always enjoy listening to Mr. Shaw tell the story of how he and his brother started Volt with just $13.....So heart warming! May your spirit rest in Peace! You will be missed! Thank you for being a visionary!

Jill Wirtanen

May 16, 2018

Was saddened to hear of his passing. I was blessed to have met him and have him visit my client a couple of times. I thank him for founding this company, I thank him for his vision and commitment for all he as done and I wish he and Joyce will Rest In Peace together. We will continue to serve this company with pride and passion as he did. Many prayers to the family.

Thomas Young

May 16, 2018

You will be missed Jerry, thanks for having faith in me to start my career in recruitment, you and Volt were great!

Jerry and Steve

Steve Garcia

May 16, 2018

I was saddened to hear of Jerry's passing. He was an amazing and giving person, always willing to give his time to mentor others. Rest in peace with Joyce, my friend.

Erin Schuster

May 16, 2018

Im heartbroken to read of Mr. Shaws passing. Ill always remember the newspaper clippings he would provide to the leaders of Volt to keep them up to date with the business of the world. He will be dearly missed.

Dina Simon

May 16, 2018

I was so sad to learn the news of Jerry's passing! I was one of the lucky ones that worked for him - that also got to work "with" him! I adored him and many of my life lessons have come from my early career and working with him!

To his kids, I am sure that you are feeling the love from so many - near and far! There were many lives impacted by Jerry and by Volt out of the $13 company that was founded by he and his brother! May you know that his legacy lives on in many of us!!

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